Sustainability Magazine February 2024 | Page 114

The Five Fundamental Elements of Net Zero
PROCUREMENT

The Five Fundamental Elements of Net Zero

1 . Include all emissions across the value chain
2 . Prioritise performance over promises
3 . Mark progress with milestones
4 . Remember that some decisions today reverberate tomorrow
5 . Cover what you can ’ t cut with high quality carbon removal credits
Buying-in to the road map Parkin is praising the positive reaction from their suppliers to the Net Zero Roadmap , but that is also because many of those partners have been on a sustainability journey with the company for a number of years , since setting out their first scope 3 targets for their full value chain back in 2017 .
“ Suppliers have expressed their appreciation for the transparency and specificity of our roadmap ,” explains Parkin . “ It has enabled them to better understand our expectations and how their contributions fit into the broader picture of achieving net zero emissions . The roadmap ’ s emphasis on collaboration and collective responsibility has resonated with our suppliers , fostering a spirit of partnership in our shared journey towards sustainability .”
The partnership allows procurement partners to take proactive steps in their organisations and strategies to address their emissions , and be part of a collective
responsibility to finding both a sustainable future and a productive business relationship .
Aside from the influence such an ambitious net-zero strategy has on the culture and direction of a company like Mars Inc , it also creates a larger impression on other companies in their business ecosystem as other brands and businesses look to follow their lead .
Barry Parkin is aware of the value of that influence , and how their procurement and supply chain can help lead others to greater sustainable achievements .
“ Global companies like Mars play an important role in shaping sustainability standards and advancing climate action at scale ,” he explains . “ Our influence extends across the globe , allowing us to inspire change on a wider scale . When companies set high sustainability standards , it encourages others in their industries to follow suit .”
114 February 2024